WHP Trainingtowers was founded on innovation. Forty two years ago, Bernie Padgett co-founded Werner-Herbison-Padgett, a large Chicago construction company. Mr. Padgett had a reputation for quality, integrity, and customer service. He soon saw a need for a fire training building that could withstand repetitive uses in a harsh environment and an array of climates. He introduced the first ever metal fire training tower to the market. He also developed a thermal lining system for fire training towers, which was the first of its kind. In 1997, Bernie Padgett passed the torch to Fire Chief William Jahnke (Ret.). Though the name has been changed to WHP Trainingtowers, the spirit of innovation in fire training has remained and continues to push the industry forward.
Focus on Safety, Strength, & Durability
Many innovative products have been added to the fire training towers over the years making them safer, stronger, and more durable. “We always put safety first and try to create the most durable, long-lasting towers that will bring the best value to the industry,” said Executive Vice President of Operations, Joe Kirchner. Recently, when the National Fire Protection Association, who writes the standards on live fire training system designs, introduced more stringent structural and egress requirements, WHP Trainingtowers found that they had already upgraded to meet those demands because they saw the need for safer training structures. Here are some examples of products that WHP has introduced to increase safety and durability in the fire training industry.
Steel Railings, Stairs and Ladders
In 2007, WHP Trainingtowers began creating structured steel railings, stairs, and ladders for the training towers. They feature a hot-dipped galvanized steel finish that is weather resistant so it not only lasts longer, but saves fire departments time and money due to lower maintenance. While much of the innovation in fire training has a focus on safety, this particular upgrade increased the durability, longevity, and ultimately the value of the structures.
Padgenite Interlock™ System
They started with Padgenite I™ – a calcium-silicate-based thermal lining system that provided the best balance of durability and thermal protection. In 2002, they developed Padgenite Super™. Today, they have raised the bar once again with their patent-pending Padgenite Interlock™ system. “We’ve always utilized a calcium-silicate-based thermal lining system and we still do,” said Kirchner. “But as materials and machining technologies have evolved, we were able to create an even more durable and safer system.” The interlocking grid system also makes replacing a broken tile fast and easy. Rather than depending on scheduling the manufacturer to come make repairs, firefighters can simply remove a few screws and replace any broken panels.
MOD-x™ Modular Training System
In the early days of fire training, firefighters would use repurposed shipping containers as training buildings. These containers could be easily damaged, might contain unknown chemicals in the paint, and required maintenance. This spurred the creation of the MODx™ modular training system. Unlike containers, the MODx™ system is uniquely engineered and designed for the fire service. The integrity of the unit relies on the fully galvanized structural steel frame that allows for open floor plans without any interior structural walls. The walls are independent of the unit which allows all walls, doors, and windows to be easily moved, removed, or reconfigured allowing for a wider variety of training exercises within the system. MODx™ can also be easily expanded in the future.
Standardized Railings on Roofs
Safety is always a big concern at WHP Trainingtowers. “We have standardized railings on roof surfaces to meet OSHA fall protection compliance codes,” Kirchner said. “Not all training towers have railings on roof perimeters.” Similarly, they have introduced a rappelling anchor system for their structures that set the standard for the industry. They upgraded the rappelling anchors to forged hot-dipped galvanized swivel-style anchors making it safer for firefighters during training exercises.
HAZMAT Training Props
WHP Trainingtowers has also introduced a series of dedicated HAZMAT training props that are all controlled wirelessly. The goal of training facilities is to mimic what firefighters will find in real-life situations. Every prop and simulation is designed to replicate hazards firefighters may encounter. They designed a trailer system for HAZMAT props that can travel to different fire stations, districts, or even states giving the ability to reach more firefighters for training. From single props to a complete HAZMAT city, they can design props to prepare firefighters for anything from leaking pipes to exploding drums to falling cylinders to liquid spills. In 2009, WHP designed the first fully integrated HAZMAT training facility for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
These are just a few examples of the innovative products WHP has introduced over the more than four decades they’ve been in business. “We are always working with customers on developing buildings specific to their needs,” said Kirchner. By keeping open communication with firefighters throughout the nation and beyond, WHP Trainingtowers continues to stay one step ahead of the rest in an industry that protects those who protect the rest of us.
